Free the Five
On February 11th 1990 a political prisoner was released. Indeed the world became a different place. The illegitimate and much condemned government of South Africa reversed its brutal and inexcusable course and immediately gained some respect and acknowledgement throughout the world. There can be no question the government of the United States of America played a part in creating the context of this event. Some of it was morally conceived, most of it not. However the people of the United States of America rejoiced with the rest of the world, as they understood the progress this represented. With the small bit of dignity gleaned by the government of South Africa on the world stage many seeds of justice were planted. Courage, respect, legitimacy, derived from the release of a political prisoner. As a nation, the United States place in world esteem is deserved. Our faults could use some contrition and our humility some exposure. We are a great and enduring people. We have little reason to be afraid because our principles are true. Standing on that rock we can afford, nay we can expend a little capital. There is a case of a political nature that is rubbing on the conscience of our nation. In the midst of the War on Terror we are imprisoning Five fighters against terrorism. Their trial and their treatment in detention have been overtly political. Our media have censored their plight. On the anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela it would be appropriate for our government to release these political prisoners.